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ECDC: 166 cases of acute hepatitis in children in EU, EEA and UK

166 cases of hepatitis in children have occurred so far in the European Union, the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. Most are located in the United Kingdom, according to a statement from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

In particular, following the initial report of an increase in cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in previously healthy children from the United Kingdom on 5 April 2022 and until 20 April 2022, 111 cases were identified, aged 10 years and under. As of Wednesday 27 April 2022, approximately 55 cases have been reported from all EU / EEA countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain). Sporadic cases have been reported from other countries around the world (Canada, Israel, Japan, USA).

At present, the exact cause of hepatitis in these children remains unknown.

Laboratory testing has ruled out viral hepatitis A, B, C, D and E in all cases. A large proportion of the reported cases in the UK have been positive for adenovirus and the same has been the case in some cases from other countries.

Priority at this point in the event is the identification of the underlying causative agent, the pathogenesis of the disease and the risk factors for the severity of cases of acute severe hepatitis in children. The current hypothesis is that a human adenovirus infection or co-infection is the most likely causative agent. However, other reasons are still under consideration and have not yet been ruled out.

As the etiology remains unknown, no effective control measures can be established at this stage. Exposure of feces and mouth to viruses such as adenoviruses is more likely for children. Therefore, the ECDC recommends the promotion of general good hygiene practices (including careful hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of surfaces) in areas where children are present.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ

Source: Capital

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